Minstrel Min"strel, n. [OE. minstrel, menestral, OF.
menestrel, fr. LL. ministerialis servant, workman (cf.
ministrellus harpist), fr. L. ministerium service. See
{Ministry}, and cf. {Ministerial}.]
In the Middle Ages, one of an order of men who subsisted by
the arts of poetry and music, and sang verses to the
accompaniment of a harp or other instrument; in modern times,
a poet; a bard; a singer and harper; a musician. --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]

minstrel — [min′strəl] n. [ME menestrel &LT; OFr, minstrel, servant, orig., official &LT; LL ministerialis, imperial officer &LT; L ministerium,MINISTRY] 1. any of a medieval class of entertainers who traveled from place to place: known esp. for singing and … English World dictionary

minstrel — /min streuhl/, n. 1. a medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour. 2. a musician, singer, or poet. 3. one of a troupe… … Universalium

Minstrel — For the 19th century American form of music and performance known as minstrelsy, see minstrel show. For the chocolate sweets sold in the UK, see Minstrels (chocolate). For the Irish patriotic song, see The Minstrel Boy. Jongleur redirects here.… … Wikipedia